The role of badges to spur frequent travelers to write online reviews

Purpose Online travel reviews platforms have become innovative information systems due to the incorporation of sophisticated gamification elements such as visually appealing badges. This study aims to analyze three features of the review after leveling up a badge: review length (number of words), sentiment scoring and period between two successive reviews (number of days until the next review is written). Design/methodology/approach A total of 77,000 online TripAdvisor reviews written by 100 frequent travelers and contributors are analyzed using a data mining approach. A data-based sensitivity analysis is then conducted to provide an understanding of the data mining trained models. Findings The results show evidence that badges appealing for self-pride (“badge passport”) and for peer-recognition (“badge helpful”) have significant influence across the lifespan of online review, whereas badges simply awarded by counting the contributions have little effect. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study provides the first analysis of how an experienced traveler is influenced as the badges and points are being awarded. Intrinsic motivational factor to award badges for standard contributions scarcely influence user behavior. Badges need to be designed to reward accomplishments that are not so trivial to be achieved and that do not depend entirely on the user.